The open passage runs directly south into the stone of the mountain and you make for it quickly. In the shadows it is difficult to tell exactly how far it extends, but it feels as if it continues on for some distance. With no time to spare you cross over the passage's threshold and disappear into its dark reaches. As you advance you can hear clearly the sounds of a large number of Hordim spreading across the polished stone of the Lesser Hall behind you. Shouted orders and the metallic clanging of weapons against armour sound loudly within the corridor, and a cold sweat embraces you as the realisation grows that there is nowhere here apart from the darkness in which to hide. In the flickering illumination of your torch you stand quietly as the Hordim search but you are not about to make it easy for them. In a heartbeat you have the torch dowsed and you wait in the darkness of the passage for the inevitable pursuit. To your considerable surprise none comes.For long minutes you linger within the gloom, every sound from the Lesser Hall travelling clearly to where you stand. Your pursuers check the hall carefully but hesitate when approaching the exits. From your position in the darkness you hear footfalls spreading over the length of the cavern but curiously none of the possible exits are investigated. Harsh cries keep all the searching Hordim away from the large double doors and none of the warriors attempt to investigate the south passage. In fact they remain well clear of the entrance. Considering the frantic nature of their search this disturbs you to say the least.For ten minutes the heavy footfalls echo through the Lesser Hall though none venture close to the open passage. Keeping their distance the Hordim complete their search and then stand quietly. All at once a command rings out and the warriors reform in the centre of the hall, before marching back through the western entrance. Soon all is again quiet, however you dare not move. Fearing a trick some minutes pass before you are sure it is safe to continue your journey, and you do so cautiously. Lighting your torch once again you quietly take a firmer hold on your weapon and carry on southwards.It is with some relief that you feel the oppressive heat beginning to fall away as you advance along the passage. The more distance you place between yourself and the Lesser Hall the more noticeable the dissipating heat. You can only think that you must be moving away from the source of the suffocating warmth, but find also that it is much easier to breath and you move forward all the quicker because of it. About three hundred metres from the entrance the passage ends at a landing, and a wide spiral staircase that circles upwards and out of sight.

Do you wish to take the stairs? If so turn to section 163. If you would rather return to the Lesser Hall turn to section 74.

This book, and its associated books and other documents in the Chronicles of Arborell series are the intellectual property of the author, Wayne F Densley, and all rights are reserved by him. Windhammer is best viewed at 1024 x 768 resolution. Any questions regarding the Chronicles of Arborell can be answered by emailing the author at densleyw@shoal.net.au